This strawberry mug cake is the ultimate hack for cake lovers in a hurry. With just three simple ingredients, you’ll have a warm, fluffy, and berrylicious treat ready in minutes. It’s perfect for those late-night cravings or a quick sweet fix. Grab your mug and let’s get baking—because life’s too short for long recipes!
This cake is so good all on its own but try serving it with strawberry cream cheese frosting, strawberry whipped cream, or coconut whipped cream for an extra delicious filling!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mug Cake
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just a few minutes, perfect for when you’re short on time.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only three simple ingredients, making it a hassle-free treat.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps that anyone can follow, even novice bakers.
- Fun: A playful and quick way to enjoy the joys of baking without the wait.
It’s no secret that I’ve got one of the largest collection of mug recipes on the site. Each one is quick and easy, but this strawberry mug cake quite literally takes the cake! It’s so simple, uses only three ingredients, and helps satisfy even the worst sugar cravings.
This mini cake tastes like a sweet bite of summer. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake infused with the bright, fruity flavor of fresh strawberries. It’s a perfect blend of sweetness and slight tartness, and can be enhanced with a rich frosting that adds a layer of decadence. Each bite offers a burst of berry goodness, making it a delightful treat for strawberry lovers and cake enthusiasts alike.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to indulge in the easiest dessert you’ve ever made! This three-ingredient strawberry mug cake requires just a few pantry staples, making it the perfect quick fix for your sweet cravings.
- Cake Mix: Pick your favorite brand for this cake mix mug cake. I will mention that we did not test this with gluten free options or keto, so I cannot be sure if those will work well.
- Water: Water is essential in cake mixes as it hydrates the dry ingredients, activates gluten and leavening agents for structure and rise, and helps achieve the right batter consistency. We did test this with milk but it didn’t produce the same light and moist texture.
- Oil: Add testing this mug cake with both oil and butter to our list. We tried them both and were shocked when oil won out in the blind taste test. The cakes made with oil were lighter and had a more enjoyable texture.
- Frosting: Optional, but if you’d like a sweet finish you can pick your favorite homemade or canned frosting.
Strawberry Mug Cake Recipe
Ready to get rolling? Here’s the broken down step by step to make your first mug cake!
- Prepare the Mug: Lightly spray the inside of a microwave safe 12-ounce mug with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: Pour the cake mix, water, and oil into the mug. Use a fork to stir everything together until well combined.
- Microwave the Cake: Cook in the microwave for about 1 minute and 15 seconds. Check if the cake is done—it should look set and dry on top. Note: Cooking time can vary based on your microwave’s power, so it might need slightly less or more time.
- Cool and Enjoy: After microwaving, let the cake stand in the mug for one minute to cool slightly. Then it’s ready to enjoy!
Helpful Tools
Microwave cake is wonderfully simple, but having the right tools can make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tools to consider:
- Microwave-Safe Mug: (affiliate) The most essential tool — ensure your mug is microwave-safe to avoid any mishaps.
- Measuring Spoons: (affiliate) Accurate measurements are key to baking success, even with something as simple as a mug cake.
- Baking Spray: (affiliate) To prevent sticking, a good non-stick cooking spray is useful. Alternatively, a little butter or oil rubbed inside the mug can also do the trick.
- Toppings and Add-ins: Have some fun toppings or mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, whipped cream, or fruit ready to enhance your mug cake.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined to avoid dry pockets and achieve a uniform texture.
- Watch Closely: Keep an eye on your cake as it cooks to prevent it from drying out or overflowing.
- Let it Cool: Allow the cake to cool for a minute or two before digging in to avoid burns and improve texture.
- Top it Off: Elevate your mug cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Microwave Power Varies: Remember that microwave strengths differ, so your cooking time may need adjustment based on your appliance.
Recipe FAQs
You can substitute oil with an equal amount of melted butter, applesauce, or yogurt for different textures and flavors.
Your mug cake is done when the top is set and springs back when lightly touched. You can also insert a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for a day. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before eating.
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Strawberry Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons strawberry cake mix dry
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon oil we like canola oil
Instructions
- Lightly spray the inside of a microwave safe 12 to 15-ounce mug with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour the cake mix, water, and oil into the mug. Use a fork to stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook in the microwave for about 1 minute and 15 seconds. Check if the cake is done—it should look set and dry on top.
- Note: Cooking time can vary based on your microwave’s power, so it might need slightly less or more time. I suggest checking around 1 minute and cooking more time as needed.
- After microwaving, let the cake stand in the mug for one minute to cool slightly. Then it’s ready to enjoy!
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